Polite request for help to a Hebrew speaker

[Valksy]

I know this is a bit off the wall but Escapists are a diverse lot and I was wondering if I could beg 5 minutes of your time before I wander out in to the interwebs and approach a total stranger.

Two things really, related to language.

The name "Chaya". I have been saying it Chay (as rhymes with Pay) and then -ah on the end. I have a feeling that it should be Kai (as rhymes with eye) -ah. Could anyone correct me? (yes, I looked at pronunciation guides but these days that is like a whole other language to me as well and I am no better off. Consequence of feeling old and knackered).

I also need a whole phrase: Ani ohevet otach Which I believe is proper tense for "I love you" said by a woman, to a woman. As a Brit my instinct is to say it exactly as it is written and I really doubt that is right. So if someone could spare a moment to show me what it should sound like I will be eternally grateful.

(and no, I've not gotten lucky, am writing a piece of fiction that I am going to transfer to an audio book and I hate saying stuff wrong and this has been bothering for a while now).


Of course if this thread crosses the lines in terms of usage, sorry and I won't cry into my cornflakes if deleted.

 

[Valksy]

Yep, hanging my head for bumping my thread. I should have said that I would be quite happy to have a PM conversation on the matter if people prefer.

 

[Valksy]

I'm not a natural with languages. Some people have an ear for them, not me I'm afraid. And I suspect like many British people I say things as I see them - And I should know better, I have a swedish housemate who constantly tries to explain that not all phonic sounds are universal. She tried to teach me a bit of Swedish for fun but I can't get my head round it.

 

[bleh002]

If I understand what you're asking, you want pronunciation help?

You aren't by any chance on Xbox Live are you? Because it would be so much easier to just say those two sentences. I'll try to type it out, but I'm horrible with that part, hopefully it will make sense.

First thing - Chaya should be pronounces with the guttural throat clearing CH sound, and should rhyme with eye. So if I were to type out how it would sound it would by Chai-ah. But not the ch of chai tea.

Second thing - This is a phrase I've taught my last two ex-girlfriends. One was able to say it very easily, and the other...not so much. So Ani would be like ah-NI (as in Knight who say) Ohevat would be Oh-heh-vet and otach would be oh-ta (as in tart) ch (as in guttural throat clearing).

I hope that makes sense...but it would still be better to do via voice. I'll see if I can record it and send a link to you.

 

[Valksy]

If I understand what you're asking, you want pronunciation help?

You aren't by any chance on Xbox Live are you? Because it would be so much easier to just say those two sentences. I'll try to type it out, but I'm horrible with that part, hopefully it will make sense.

First thing - Chaya should be pronounces with the guttural throat clearing CH sound, and should rhyme with eye. So if I were to type out how it would sound it would by Chai-ah. But not the ch of chai tea.

Second thing - This is a phrase I've taught my last two ex-girlfriends. One was able to say it very easily, and the other...not so much. So Ani would be like ah-NI (as in Knight who say) Ohevat would be Oh-heh-vet and otach would be oh-ta (as in tart) ch (as in guttural throat clearing).

I hope that makes sense...but it would still be better to do via voice. I'll see if I can record it and send a link to you.

Thank you so very much for taking the time and trouble, it really is appreciated =)

I really don't know what to say, I'm delighted.

Do I have the gender/tenses right for the "i love you"? (female to female)

I'm afraid that I don't have XBL anymore, it was making me lose my faith in humanity and much of my gaming group had moved on so it wasn't worth the bucks.

But to you dear sir or madam may I offer a delicious beverage of your choice and a slice of key lime cheesecake =D

 

[bleh002]

Thank you so very much for taking the time and trouble, it really is appreciated =)

I really don't know what to say, I'm delighted.

Do I have the gender/tenses right for the "i love you"? (female to female)

I'm afraid that I don't have XBL anymore, it was making me lose my faith in humanity and much of my gaming group had moved on so it wasn't worth the bucks.

But to you dear sir or madam may I offer a delicious beverage of your choice and a slice of key lime cheesecake =D

It was my pleasure, I always enjoy helping with languages if I can.

As a lady who has taught other ladies to say this to me, I can assure you that you do have the gender/tenses correct.

Hmm...beverage of my choice? How about some nice Turkish coffee. I love that sludge.

 

[Valksy]

Hmm...beverage of my choice? How about some nice Turkish coffee. I love that sludge.

I would if I could, I swear =D